A contingency plan is in place for new Arborfield school

The new secondary school in Arborfield is planned to open in September 2016 and will cater for up to 1,500 pupils

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A contingency plan is in place should the new secondary school in Arborfield not be completed on time.

Although work to build the school is on target for a September 2016 opening, planners have announced using existing buildings on the garrison is a back up option, along with implementing bulge classes and expanding the town centre secondary schools.

There are two buildings - a gym and a building used for training - on the garrison that could be used as part of the school or as a contingency option.

An update on plans for the school and the work being carried out by the Parent Reference Group was given to parents and neighbours at Henry Street Garden Centre, in Arborfield, last night.

Brian Grady, Wokingham Borough Council's head of strategic commissioning, said: "It's about making sure parents who have been involved in this programme until now share with you, and for you as parents to share what sort of school you want your children to go to."

To help plan the school, a Parent Reference Group was formed made up of 22 parents, three council officers and two councillors to work on the ethos and vision of the school, the curriculum and catchment areas.

Lloyd Watkins, reference group member, said: "From getting involved in this it is clear to me as a south of Wokingham resident my son has no chance of getting into a school into the south.

"I'm trying to achieve a positive outcome for this school. What I want is an excellent school in Arborfield in 2016."

The Parent Reference Group is also discussing the idea of a Sixth Form.

A mum from Finchampstead, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "My son is in Year Four and I'm interested in him going to a school in Arborfield because it will make him more independent being able to get there himself.